Friends Forever

It was great to meet friends for dinner when our "out of towner" came in for a quick visit. We picked up right where we had left off. That is the great thing about having long-lasting friendships - it doesn't matter what events or what length of time have separated us, we can still laugh at ourselves and have a good time. Carole - we missed you!

Out of Town Grandparent Visit

Before I get on to the "Out of Town Grandparent visit", here is a shot from the dock of the newest cottage, purchased recently in the province. Looks like there will be many happy memories created here!

And now on to the visit. This is our number 1 grandchild (numbers 2 and 3 will arrive later this year). She is full of energy, and loves to play, play, play all day. Here she is saying "cheese " for the camera.

At the beach. She loved to throw sand, to wreck the castles her dad built her, and to paddle in the water.

In the backyard with a flower Grandma bought on a visit to a nearby town.

With Mom, shopping for goodies.

With Dad, at a nearby playground.

Needless to say, we love her to bits, and can hardly wait for sister or brother to arrive. For now, she gets all the attention. That's o.k., though, because the book says that out of town grandparents can do whatever they want, because they aren't there long enough to spoil the child!

The Party

The day was perfect - sun was shining, the breeze was blowing gently, and all arrived for the 60th anniversary and 80th birthday celebrations. The first event was a Come and Go Tea (which turned into a Come and Stay Tea), followed by a dinner for family and special friends.


Some of the workers - one to organize, one to serve (the one with experience), and one to be the computer "tekkie".

Children and significant others (minus one who had to be at work).

Grandchildren and significant others (minus those in Ontario, one at school, and one at work).

The birthday girl, the anniversary couple, and the best man.

Who are these two distinguished gentlemen? (The elevator operator and the visitor from the west!)

The after party - dinner, cake, and gifts.

A good time was had by all. It was wonderful to see so many family members and good friends, all of whom were there to give their best wishes. We are indeed lucky!

Silver Heights 50th Reunion and Closing

We spent a beautiful couple of days at Flanders Lake, enjoying the sunrise on the dock, and the daisies, which were abundant. The cottage has a new deck, and all was very peaceful, except for the Whipoorwill, which called for at least an hour "without taking a breath" at around 4 a.m.

Not far from Flanders is Tulabi Falls, which is running very quickly due to the high water levels. The water running over the rocks looked like velvet, smooth as glass but deceptively powerful.

Silver Heights Collegiate closed its doors after 50 years. Students will be moving to Sturgeon Creek High School, which has been renamed "College Sturgeon Heights". The S.H. mascot, the Huskie, moves with the students. The 50 year anniversary and closing was celebrated during a weekend of activity, including a wine and cheese under the big tent, a reunion event at Silver Heights restaurant, a fantastic dinner and dance at the Convention Centre (1400 people took up the entire third floor), and a pancake breakfast and roof top photo on Sunday morning. It was a great chance to catch up with old acquaintances.

The school on its last day of operation.

Some of the former students and staff.

Back home again

Since our last blog was so popular with those interested in our travels, we have decided to continue blogging, even though the news will not likely be as interesting as it was in Dreams Down Under. Look on this site to find out what we have been up to.

Soon to be posted:

• Silver Heights Reunion and Closing
• My parents' 60th anniversary and my mom's 80th birthday
• Trip to St. Thomas